The founder and Chair of the United Private Hire Driver's branch of the Independent Workers Great Britain (IWGB) trade union, James Farrar, is facing trial accused of assaulting two police officers at a demonstration.

The alleged incident took place during a demonstration on 4 March 2019, when Farrar is accused of causing the two police officers "pain" and "discomfort" when using a standard megaphone during the course of the protest.

The UPHD have confirmed that the police do not allege that Farrar physically touched the two officers or threatened any violence.

The demonstrations

From January through to April 2019, the UPHD staged weekly protests in London against the Mayor and Transport for London's decision to remove the congestion charge exemption from minicab drivers while keeping it in place for black cab drivers.

The Union argued that the decision was unfair and instead of drivers being charged, the company they worked for, namely Uber, should be charged for it so the cost could be passed to the consumer rather than "low paid workers".

Farrar is also the co lead claimant, along with Yaseem Aslam in the successful workers' rights claim against Uber.

Possible case outcome

If found guilty of the charges, Farrar faces a sentence of up to one year in prison, a fine or both.

To convict, the prosecution must prove Farrar intentionally hurt the officers or was reckless in his actions which led to injury.

The UPHD are now trying to raise the funds to finance Farrar's defence in the case.